Agios Ioannis

Elygia is the largest beach of Agios Ioannis, the seaside settlement of Kapetaniana, located 73km south of Heraklion, below the highest peak of the Asterousia Mountains, Kofinas. From Kapetaniana, a dirt road begins that ends in Agios Ioannis, with the route winding along the edge of the cliff, offering incredible views of the South Cretan Sea and the wild landscape of Asterousia with its inaccessible gorges.

After quite a jolt, we reach the settlement, which is mainly inhabited by residents who come from Kapetaniana and supplement their income by exploiting the natural salt pans. Agios Ioannis is built at the base and along the small peninsula of Ponta. In front of the settlement, west of Ponta, there is the small, sheltered beach of Ai Giannis.

If you are looking for more seclusion, consider visiting the beautiful beach of Elygia, located to the east of the peninsula. It is a beautiful beach, with fine gravel and sand, which is generally not crowded, despite the fact that it is close to the village. The gorge of Elygia ends at Elygia. Above the beach there is a large parking area, from where the path with the stairs to the beach begins.

Nearby, there is a cave, cave of Vasilopoula, where it is said that some important ancient treasure has been found. Today it is also known as Gourounospilios (pig cave), because of the pigs that the shepherds used to put inside. Finally, next to the beach there is a very interesting well, Kakopigado, which has a staircase leading down and always has fresh water!